News at Eleven
News at Eleven

Movie spotlight

News at Eleven

1986
Movie
100 min
English

When television news director Eric Ross pressures esteemed senior anchor Frank Kenley to sensationalize the news, Kenley isn't pleased -- and the conflict comes to a head when a local high school sex scandal hits the news. As Ross pushes him to play up the story, Kenley wrestles with the moral complexities of the situation and tries to find the balance between the public's need to know and the individual's rights.

Insights

IMDb5.5/10
Director: Mel DamskiGenres: Horror, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young, ambitious news anchor, investigating a series of mysterious deaths plaguing his city, uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving a powerful elite and a series of disturbing broadcast signals. As the body count rises, he finds himself in a race against time to expose the truth before he becomes the next victim. The investigation leads him into a dangerous world where reality and televised manipulation blur.

Critical Reception

News at Eleven received a mixed to negative reception. While some acknowledged its attempt at a suspenseful thriller with a contemporary edge, many critics found the plot convoluted and the execution lacking. The film is largely remembered as a lesser-known horror television film from the 1980s, failing to make a significant impact on viewers or critics at the time of its release.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film attempts a timely thriller concept but is hampered by a weak script and predictable scares.

  • Kirk Cameron's performance is adequate but cannot salvage the film's convoluted plot.

  • Lacks the tension and originality to stand out among other made-for-television horror films of the era.

Google audience: Audience reception is largely absent due to its nature as a television film with limited distribution and subsequent viewership. Any available reviews tend to echo critical sentiments, often citing a forgettable plot and uninspired direction.

Fun Fact

The film was intended to be a pilot for a potential television series, but it did not get picked up.

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